LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – The Better Business Bureau (BBS) is warning Facebook users of potential scams following the release of Meta Verified, a paid “blue verification badge” for Facebook and Instagram.
The BBB said the monthly subscription service will allow users to earn a verification badge similar to Twitter’s blue tick program released in November 2022. The BBB warns people to know the facts and use information to protect themselves from future scammers.
Here’s what BBB says people need to know.
Normal Facebook and Instagram users do not have to pay anything:
Subscription service is an option to help developers and businesses build their communities. The optional Meta subscription service costs $11.99 per month on the web and $14.99 for the iOS and Android apps. Twitter’s blue check is $8 per month for web and $11 for iOS and Android. Twitter also announced a premium for its new secure text messaging program. Meta Verified is only available in New Zealand and Australia on February 21st, but could soon expand globally and eventually to business accounts. Twitter Blue is available in many countries including the US and Canada. Users must meet minimum requirements, be at least 18 years old and present government-issued ID that matches name and photo on Facebook and Instagram to be eligible for a verification badge.
Watch out for potential scams:
Watch out for phishing emails, SMS, and direct messages that offer upgrades to your Facebook or Instagram accounts. Do not send a photo of your government-issued ID to a scammer. Visit BBB’s Detect Scam page to see what fake emails, texts and websites can look like. Older adults may be more prone to cheating. Assure your friends and loved ones that they don’t have to pay anything right now. Beware of scammers pretending to be from Meta, Facebook or Instagram. In December, Twitter experienced a surge in fake verified accounts following the launch of Twitter Blue. Always check links before clicking on them; go straight to the source. Check all information for facts. Head straight to the Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter help pages if you’re not sure.
If you want to learn more about phishing scams, you can read BBB tips or visit BBB’s Scam Tracker to report scams or fraud.
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